Janis Collins: honored for women’s business efforts. Contributed photo

Janis Collins of Westport has been selected one of 56 Women of Innovation for the 2015 Women of Innovation awards program by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC).

The program recognizes Connecticut women in the workforce and students who are innovators, role models and community leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, an announcement said.

Collins, a member of the Westport Board of Finance, is co-founder of Westport-based The Refinery, an accelerator for women-led businesses whose goals include accelerating the growth of early stage ventures resulting in job creation and viable investments.

The 56 honorees will be recognized and a winner in each of eight award categories will be announced during the Women of Innovation awards program at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on April 1.

Workers today apply finishing touches to the renovation of New Country Lexus of Westport, 1317 Post Road East. According to its website, renovations commenced in September 2014 and are near completion. The company said its new car showroom has been expanded to highlight more new Lexus models and to accommodate more customers at once. The dealership also expanded its Fairfield service facility to include 34 stalls. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Sunny Daes ice cream store at Westport’s 30 Riverside Ave. was open for business Saturday night despite a snowstorm and freezing temperatures. An employee said the store, which also offers frozen yogurt, remains open until 10 p.m. every day despite the snow and cold.  “It’s not busy like summer, but people still come,” he said. “We’re making enough to pay our bills.”  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Leaders of nonprofits interested in funding to achieve “meaningful social impact in Connecticut” are invited to an information session Tuesday on how to apply for grants of up to $50,000.

The session, sponsored by Social Venture Partners Connecticut (SVP-CT), will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Westport Innovation Hub, 20 Ketchum St. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP at http://www.socialventurepartners.org/connecticut.

The deadline for submission of letters of Interest for the group’s 2015 investment cycle is Feb. 24.

SVP-CT provides both financial support and strategic advice to nonprofits providing social services that are located in Fairfield County and vicinity.